In Brief:
Opened May 26, 1927, the Buckingham Fountain has become one of the Windy City's top attractions, and arguably competes with the Sears Tower as Chicago's most famous landmark.
Where:
Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway in Grant Park
Getting There By Public Transportation:
Either the south-bound CTA bus line #146 or #147 to Congress and Michigan, walk .3 miles east to fountain.
Driving From Downtown:
Lake Shore Drive (US 41) south to Jackson, right on Jackson to Columbus. Left on Columbus to fountain.
Parking at the Buckingham Fountain:
There is limited meter street parking, but your best bet is to follow the signs in the area to the Grant Park underground garage at Monroe and Columbus.
Buckingham Fountain hours:
The fountain runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, from mid-April through mid-October, depending on weather.
Fountain Water Display:
For 20 minutes starting every hour on the hour, the fountain features a large water display and the center jet sprays 150 feet into the air.
Fountain Light Show:
Beginning at dusk, the water display is accompanied by a major multi-colored light and music show.
About the Buckingham Fountain:
Donated to the city by Kate Buckingham, the Buckingham Fountain is Chicago's centerpiece along the Lake Michigan shore, and is a popular destination spot for visitors and locals alike.
Made out of gorgeous pink Georgia marble, the real attraction of the fountain is the water, light, and music show that takes place every hour. Controlled by a computer in its underground pump room, it's a dazzling display that makes for a fantastic photo opportunity and a picture perfect background -- which is why you'll inevitably see a wedding party having portraits taken there during milder weather.
Want to know more? Read my list of Buckingham Fountain trivia.